Dawn Michele Dawn Michele Bryan feels it is never too late to turn dreams into reality.
After singing in the contemporary choir at St. Anthony of Padua’s Roman Catholic Church in Hightstown as well as at St. Joseph’s Church in Millstone, the 52-yearold mother of two set out to record her original Christian music at Skylab Studios in Roosevelt. A year later, with the help of John Perkins on bass, Chris Tirpak on lead guitar, and Jesse LeJeune on drums, she completed her debut CD, “Lady in the Loft.”
Her music is powerful, inspiring and deeply felt. The songs are diverse and include rock, country and gospel. On July 24 at 8 p.m., the singer, who uses the name Dawn Michele professionally, will be performing at Holy Grounds, 2201 Route 9, Howell.
Much of Bryan’s inspiration comes from an early childhood devotion to Jesus.
“Many times we wonder what it is that God wants us to do with our life,” she said. “I can now say that I am finally doing it. My gift is my music. Yet we all have gifts and ways we can serve God. Sometimes we have Moses moments when we don’t feel up to the task. That’s when we need to take a leap of faith.”
The family has lived in Millstone for 16 years. Before her children arrived, Bryan worked at Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., developing computer systems. Bryan’s husband, Tom, is the chief of the Edison Police Department. She said he encouraged her to share with other people the music she wrote and sang.
Her holiday song, “It’s Christmas Time Again,” has received radio airplay. From singing at St. Joseph’s, she received the nickname “Lady in the Loft.” Bryan explained that she was sometimes the only one in the choir loft, playing and singing for all the Masses. “People would ask me, ‘Are you the lady in the loft?’ ” she said.
Dawn Michele will also be playing at the Edison Fall Festival on Sept. 26. For more information, visit her website at www.ladyintheloft. com.